Over 100 of the Midwest’s Finest Entertainers, Acts and Attractions. ~ Call 507-388-3222

Entertainers

We have over 100 of the Midwest’s finest comedians, hypnotists, musicians, and other entertainment acts available to make your next event a “cut” above the rest. Please see our list of available acts below.

Hypnotists

John Evan Palmer – For over three decades John-Ivan Palmer’s hypnosis exhibitions have SOLD OUT auditoriums and public events from Iceland to the West Indies. His wide range of performances (often in foreign languages) feature INNOVATIONS unique to the history of hypnosis. He has appeared with such stars as Jerry Lee Lewis, Kenny Rogers, Ray Charles, The Statler Brothers and dozens more. His TV appearances hypnotizing famous people have been seen by MILLIONS throughout the world. Laugh yourself into the Twilight Zone™ with the world’s fastest (and funniest) stage hypnotist!

Ayme Scharlau – Amye has been a full time entertainer since graduating from the College of St. Catherine with degrees in Theater and Art. She is a favorite with High School Prom and Graduation Lock-Ins, Corporate Banquet Dinners and Outdoor Summer Events. She can also provide Caricatures, Palm Reading or Balloon Animals in addition to her stage show. She also performs a great Comedy-Magic Show.

Franko – Master Hypnotist – Franko had been a featured act with national touring acts and entertainers such as Michael Winslow, Penn and Teller, Alex Trabeck, Michael J. Fox, and Michael Keaton. He has performed for hundreds of Corporations, National Conventions, County and State Fairs, Festivals, Theme Parks, Colleges, Schools and also appeared on national television shows such as Merv Griffin, and the Tonight Show. Franko’s improvisational skills with the audience makes for one of the funniest hypnosis shows today. From humorous routines to musical drama, the audience is spellbound watching their friends being hypnotized, with hilarious results.

Norm Knight – Norm’s quick wit and expert control of the subjects keeps the program moving at a brisk pace. He is a trained and certified stage Hypnotist with years of experience delighting audiences. Most important, Norm has the gift and flair for entertaining! Norm has entertained in 48 states over the past 26 years. Most recently he returned to Maui, Hawaii for a fourth tour. 1700 people turned out for his program at Lahainaluna High School. Students and staff stated, “Norm was hilarious, I never laughed so hard, it was great entertainment.”

Jim Kenaga – Fast, funny, always in good taste, easy to work with: words that describe Jim Kenaga–Hypnotist. This award winning entertainer has some of the highest levels of education and experience available; Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Psychology, Certified Counselor, Certified Hypnotist, Certified Hypnotherapist, entertaining since 1960, using Hypnosis since 1971, performing Comedy Hypnosis Stage Shows for over a thousand delighted audiences. An entertainer you can hire with confidence. “Hilarious! I would recommend Jim’s hypnosis show to anyone. It was good, clean fun! He’s a terrific magician, too.” Chris Kitzman • State Bank of Faribault

Steve Meade – The powerful hypnotic commands from Steve will quickly have the stage hypnotism volunteers dropping like flies, and the jaws in your audience dropping in amazement… The first stop on this mental vacation may be Jamaica, where they’ll believe they’re right on the beach soaking in those tropical rays, and before they know it they’ll think they’re at a beach party competing to be the world’s greatest reggae dancers… Maybe they’ll think they have turned into aliens or a famous musical star such as Madonna, Michael Jackson or even Elvis… Who knows, but you are guaranteed to laugh so hard – that TEARS WILL RUN DOWN YOUR FACE!!!

Jesse Moffitt – Jesse has been performing his comedy magic act & hypnosis shows throughout the Midwest for over 20 years for just about any event you can think of. With his quick wit & his ability to play off the audience, no show is alike. His comedy magic show uses a ton of audience participation while the volunteers for his hypnosis show truly do become the stars of the show.

Zac Tenneboe a.k.a. z*stonish, is a mentalist, and a certified hypnotist via the National Guild of Hypnotists. His show is a multi-dimensional experience featuring comedy hypnosis & mind reading. You’ll be on the edge of your seat amazed and laughing the whole show! You have to see to believe Zac’s world of make-believe.

Ventriloquists

David Malmberg- Throughout the show, voices and sounds appear to be coming from everywhere except the stage! Telephones ring, voices echo and horses gallop. The wisecracking antics of Simon Spencer and Americas grouchiest farmer, Leonard Cribble provide one sizzling laugh after another. Leonard loves to single out, joke and flirt with audience members while Simon seems to think its his job to disrupt every serious moment on the stage. This is especially true while David attempts to play his guitar. Davids incredible skill and versatility will leave your audience in stitches.

Jerry Breeden – ENTERTAINMENT AT IT’S BEST!!! Make Your Event “An Evening to Remember”!!! Ventriloquist Jerry Breeden and his cast of characters are Hilarious!!!………..Featuring “THE AMAZING HUMAN PUPPET” where an unsuspecting Audience Member Becomes “The Star of the Show”!!! This fast paced show features multiple characters performing comedy routines, famous songs and magical moments. Your audience will be on the edge of their seats……or rolling in the aisles! Corporate Clients, Schools, Fairs, Fundraisers, Cruise Ships, Special Events. He has delighted audiences across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Cuba, Jamaica, Japan, Italy & Finland. Jerry is loved and appreciated by audiences everywhere! Ask about The Jerry Breeden Ventriloquist Variety Show…..A full evening of great entertainment. Jerry starts out with his ventriloquist act, approximately 45 minutes, before a short intermission. He comes back on stage with his Electric Guitar performing standup comedy and funny song parodies. Then he takes the audience on a “Trip Down Memory Lane” with the Hits of the 50’s, 60’s & 70’s finishing the show with a NAME THAT SONG Contest……..Lots of Great Audience Participation….LOTS OF FUN!!!

Comic Magicians

Amye Scharlau – Amye has been a full time entertainer since graduating from the College of St. Catherine with degrees in Theater and Art. She is a favorite with High School Prom and Graduation Lock-Ins, Corporate Banquet Dinners and Outdoor Summer Events. She can also provide Caricatures, Palm Reading or Balloon Animals in addition to her stage show. She also performs a great Comedy-Hypnosis Show.

Craig Carlson – Craig Carlson is one of the funniest comedy magicians around. Give him some inside info on your company or product and he is the funniest. He has done half times for the Harlem Globetrotters and appeared on Late Night with David Letterman. Craig Carlson is one of the funniest Jugglers working. He has used his skills to extol the virtues of products from General Mills to Medtronic, from John Deere tractors to Wells Fargo, from Cargill to Prudential. He is truly one of America’s most versatile entertainers.

Alan Skogerbo – Alan has been bringing joy and laughter through his magical artistry to audiences across North and South America for over 30 years. Whether its an intimate gathering, a banquet hall, or an auditorium, Alan can tailor his program to meet your specific needs.

Jesse Moffitt – Jesse has been performing his comedy magic act & hypnosis shows throughout the Midwest for over 20 years for just about any event you can think of. With his quick wit & his ability to play off the audience, no show is alike. His comedy magic show uses a ton of audience participation while the volunteers for his hypnosis show truly do become the stars of the show.

Comedians

Bob Larson – Get ready for the hard-hitting comedy of Bob Larson! A former Toughman competitor, Bob Larson has taken his pull-no-punches attitude from the fighting ring to the comedy stage. Bob’s blue-collar style of comedy has made him a favorite at comedy clubs across the country. From the smallest dive bars to the biggest casinos in Las Vegas, Bob Larson delivers his jokes like a series of devastating body blows. This no-holds-barred comedian is a hit everywhere he performs. Bob will make you double over with laughter. You’ll laugh until your sides hurt. Bob Larson won’t just tickle your funny bone… he’ll break it in two!

Craig Clausnitzer – The Comedy Cop, also know as The Jimmy Buffet of Stand Up Comedy. Over the years Craig has worked with such comics at Drew Carey, Jeff Foxworthy, Jimmie “JJ” Walker, and the late Pat Paulsen of Smothers Brothers fame. He has also appeared on “Comedy Gallery The TV Show”, TV’s “Stand Up, Stand Up”, and he appeared weekly, well his voice did anyway, on the “Kent Hrbek Outdoors Show” where he wrote and performed the “Rapala Reel Moments” segment. He delivers effortlessly and makes his audience feel relaxed and at ease. “My favorite thing as a comic is to stray from my act and interact with the audience. It’s more fun for me and I think it’s more fun for them. He performs at every type of corporate gig known to mankind and, because of his act, he even performs in churches! Holy Cow! You will not be disappointed to have Craig perform at your function!

Pat Dennis – Pat Dennis is a comedy veteran with over 1,000 performances at Fortune 500 corporate events, Women’s Expos and national television. Pat is the author of the bestselling, HOTDISH TO DIE FOR. Her fiction and humor have been published in National Public Radio’s Minnesota Monthly Woman’s World, and the Pioneer Press.

The Mayberry Deputy – With over 5000 performances in 35 states and Canada to over 5 million people, The Mayberry Deputy show performed by David Browning has a motivational message, comedic routines as well as pre & post show entertainment, such as handing out citations and autographed pictures. Its Clean, Funny and reminds people of a time gone by. Truly Nostalgic.

Musical Comedy Acts and Musical Show Groups

Copper Canyon Cowboys

Gordy Pratt – Gordy Pratt, the original Fabulous ONE GUY, is a fast paced, one-man musical comedy show. His numerous TV appearances include ABCs Good Morning America. Gordy has also been the opening act for Beach Boys, Kenny Chesney, Glen Campbell, and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. His Baby Boomer Humor from hair loss, to 8 tracks, to the challenge of raising kids is suitable for all audiences. The most common comment after one of Gordys shows is, I laughed so hard my cheeks hurt!

Rog Bates is a stand-up comedian and singer/songwriter with over thirty years experience entertaining groups of all types. Known for his high energy comedy and funny surprise songs… often custom written about the audience… Bates is comfortable with any audience. He is a favorite choice from award banquets at a business conference to college campus shows to blue collar groups and biker bars! As a master of stress relieving humor, the more tension a group is feeling the harder Bates will have them laughing. Rog has opened for Jerry Seinfeld, Jeff Foxworthy, Ritch Shydner and is a sought after act! As an accomplished singer and musician, audiences appreciate the variety, depth and surprise his music adds to the show. Bates is also author of the book “How To Be Funnier—Happier, Healthier & More Successful.” Perhaps most impressive Bates lives in Santa Fe, NM, has two teenagers and a receding hairline . . . And still has a sense of humor!

Laverne & Lucy – This Musical Comedy Duo is a must-have at your next corporate or community event! Each performance is filled with imPROvisation, comedy and audience participation. Your group will surely enjoy the musical variety and laugh-out-loud comedy.

A tasteful display of Stand Up Comedy, Musical Comedy, Comedy Magic, and Comedic Mind Reading. This show averages a laugh about every 8 seconds. Gary has performed with many top stars through the years including George Jones, The Bellamy Brothers, Sammi Smith, Leroy Van Dyke, Sam the Sham, Jack Scott, Dave Dudley, Charlie Louvin, & Tommy Cash. Gary was also a songwriter for Mel Tillis Enterprise, a recording artist with Sugarfoot Rag and San Antone, and has appeared many times on the Grand Ole Opry. Since the early 80’s, Gary has been a Comedic Entertainer for Corporate and Public Functions throughout the U.S. and Canada with 3 entirely different shows to offer. Perfect for Corporate Banquet Dinners, or any special event. This show can be booked separately, or in conjunction with Gary’s Hypnosis Show, or The Children’s Magic Show. Close Up Strolling Magic for the social hour is also available.

Blue Ox Jazz Babies – Dixieland Jazz from New Orleans best describes this legendary band formally know as The Marigold Dixielanders. The nucleus of this group came from the 50’s and 60’s when they entertained crowds while marching in parades. In St Louis, they surprised thousands when “these Yankees from the North” won the National Dixieland Competition. The Blue Ox Jazz Babies will bring this Historical Music direct to you.

Bob and the Beachcombers – The Beachcombers bring beach party summertime fun to every event with great dance music, popular songs, beach balls, hula hoops, the air guitar contest, audience participation, stage props, prizes and non-stop entertainment. Featured at Valleyfair Amusement Park in 1987 and 1995, Bob & the Beachcombers have also performed at the Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota State Fairs. They also won an award from the Minnesota Ballroom Operators Association for “Best 50’s & 60’s Rock ‘n Roll Band”.

Johnny Pineapple – Johnny Pineapple, is the Midwest’s premier entertainer, specializing in spectacular Hawaiian entertainment! For years, he has been entertaining audiences worldwide with his authentic interpretations of vintage Hawaiian music, vaudevillian-esque humor, and witty between-song patter. He also specializes in performing at luaus, theme parties, pool/beach parties, special events, etc.

Mary Guentzel and her Quintet – Big Band Classic’s from the 30s and 40s along with select favorites from recent decades best describes this musical group. If you are looking for a classy act for that special occasion, this group is the perfect choice.

Powerhouse – Exciting, Fun Loving, Multi-Talented and with a wide range of musical interest best describes this ten piece band. Each member brings their own unique musical style and professionalism, adding flavor to the creation of POWERHOUSE. Covering a wide variety of hit songs from the last five decades including R&B, Swing, Pop, Blues and much more. Truly a full spectrum, energetic and entertaining show band. Perfect for Outdoor Festivals, Corporate Holiday Parties, Community Celebrations, Wedding Dances and more.

Sherwin Linton – The Legendary Sherwin Linton along with his wife Pam perform songs by Elvis, Marty Robbins, Chuck Berry, Patsy Cline, Buddy Holly and 100’s more. The Infamous Johnny Cash Tribute Show is perfect for after dinner entertainment for corporate events. An infectious smile, a charming personality and sincerity have won him a loyal legion of friends and fans all over the United States and abroad. Sherwin often plays over 250 dates a year and among his many unique accomplishments is a perfect attendance record. He has never missed a scheduled performance in 45 years.

The Sugarfoot Band – Johnny Cash Tribute, 50’s/60’s & Rockabilly With 3 part harmony on most selections, The Sugarfoot Band is a perfect match for all age groups. From the Johnny Cash Tribute by Greg Dopp and Gary Tyson, to Renaye Harn’s styling on Classic’s by Patsy Cline, Skeeter Davis, Leslie Gore and many of the top songs you love, including Classic Duets. The Sugarfoot Band was recently the chosen back up band for Tommy Cash (Johnny Cash’s Brother) at Mt. Rushmore, & will be appearing with Tommy on some dates when he comes to our area. The band performs at a pleasant volume and has a large email list of followers in the Midwest.

Whitesidewalls – THE FOUNDERS ARE BACK! Since their genesis over 35 years ago, The Whitesidewalls Rock ‘n’ Roll Revue has been the Midwest’s ultimate 1950s and 1960s rock & roll show band, with a loyal fan base that continues to grow and show their support and love for The Whitesidewalls. Now the founding members have recreated the original electrifying Whitesidewalls Rock ‘n Roll Revue! Hound Dog, Swanee, The Wizard, Tony the Hit Man and Gino his younger twin brother have handcrafted a fabulous show that will have you jumping just like it did 30 years ago! This talented group of versatile artists from Minnesota and Wisconsin performs for thousands of people each year, demonstrating their agile musicianship while putting on a great show. Come on out and see for yourself- you won’t be disappointed!

Dueling Pianos – Eichholz and Manderfeld are the members of Deuces Wild! Dueling Pianos, a piano duo offering a Las Vegas-style show of comedy and extensive audience participation featuring an unlikely and surprising mix of music and parodies that range from classic rock and country to rap and show tunes. The key to their marathon of musical comedy, however, is the unabashed and completely liberated participation of audience members from 18 to 80. The show takes on an organic nature, feeding not just on Eichholz’s and Manderfeld’s kinetic performing energy but on the audience’s growing confidence and comfort level about the impromptu acting, dancing, or singing that is heartily welcomed by everyone in the house.

Lubas & Ezra – This back-woodsy duo brings unique talent of vocal harmony and guitars blended in hilarious fashion with their own brand of dialogue. Its an hour or more of side-splitting comedy thats guaranteed to respectfully bust up any formalities. Lubus and Ezra have been highlighting banquet dinners, conventions, annual meetings, and city celebrations, and their popularity continues to grow. Lubus and Ezra are committed to the values of family and rural America and they are committed to premier entertainment thats affordable and refreshingly clean.

Pop Wagner – Pop has quite the reputation as a singer, picker, lasso twirler and downright funny guy. He appeared quite frequently on Public Radio’s A Prairie Home Companion during the show’s formative years and for the last quarter century he has worked his cowboy magic throughout 44 states and ten countries. His cowboy anthems crackle with the warmth of a prairie campfire and his old time fiddle tunes set toes a-tappin’ while he serves up spellbinding rope tricks and tall stories — all with a good dose of friendly humor.

Jugglers & Variety

The Danger Committee, formally the Dew Drop Jugglars – This World Champion Juggling Team keeps the audience on the edge of their seats during the whole show. The trio wondrously manipulates torches, clubs, balls, diabolos, knives, and sometimes even garden weasels. Known as one of the top juggling teams in the country, they are also one of the most entertaining with their comedy. The show is high energy, fast-paced, and lots of fun. Until you’ve seen the show, you don’t know how fun juggling can be. The Danger Committee also have a 2 man version of their show called “Hands Down”. This show is more economical and still leaves the audience in total amazement. A guaranteed hit every time.

Jason the Juggler – Jason’s clean, family suitable material is customized for each audience. The shows are choreographed with music, and feature many forms of juggling, unicycling, balancing and manipulation. Jason loves interaction with audience members and will invite a few to join him on the stage for added fun and humor.

Craig Carlson – You’ve probably already seen Craig perform and don’t know it. He has performed halftime shows for the Harlem Globetrotters, and a regular performer at the Mall of America. Your children may have watched him as a featured performer on “Animal Planets, Once Upon a Tree” children’s television show. The shows creator said “Craig was responsible for some of the most intimate moments, singing with the main puppet characters”.

Alan Johnson – Comedy Juggler Extraordinaire! Ingenious…Timeless…Hilarious! He has been seen at Renaissance Festivals, comedy clubs, churches, cruise ships, trade shows and corporate events across the country. He is the voice of the ‘Vulture’ in the animated series Spiderman. His juggling has been featured on the TV series Night Court and he has guest starred on the NBC series ER. His juggling talents have provided him the opportunity to work with many wonderful people including the legendary George Burns. His performance is clean, funny, and can be enjoyed by any audience and adapted to virtually any product or occasion. A unique comedic act!

Children’s Shows

Amye Scharlau – Amye Scharlau is one the most versatile children’s entertainers around. She performs a great magic show with plenty of audience participation and interaction, over 100 different balloon animals, face painting and so much more. She also offers magic and balloon twisting classes. High energy interactive fun for everyone.

Everyone loves to beach party, and now the kids can join in the fun with this special show for families and children, featuring Bob the Beachcomber. Everybody is encouraged to sing along, clap their hands, stomp their feet, get up and dance, and enjoy popular and familiar music featuring everything from the Beach Boys to Raffi, SpongeBob Squarepants to the Itsy Bitsy Spider, and Elvis Presley to Jerry Lee Lewis. We might even do the Twist, the Chicken Dance, the Cupid Shuffle or the Cha-Cha Slide. Each performance involves total audience participation, the big sound of a five piece band (without the big price!), Bob the Beachcomber himself, along with palms trees, beach towels, sharks, toucans, alligators, spiders and more entertainment and rock & roll family fun than any other children’s show in the Midwest.

Dave Walbridge – The Big Fun Show has everything. Comedy, magnificent magic, amazing stunts, juggling, unique surprises, mind-reading and unicycling. This show is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Based on a traveling vaudeville show combined with classic circus skills. The Big Fun Show has been entertaining professionally for 21 years

Gary Tyson – Children’s Magic Show & Magic Class Absolutely perfect for children’s birthday parties, elementary schools, fairs and festivals. Children love to watch magic shows, and even more, learn how to do it. Gary will perform a magic show, then hand out FREE magic tricks and teach the kids how to do some magic. Magic encourages young people to develop hand-eye coordination, communication skills, and self confidence. This program is a huge draw for children by itself, and also works well in conjunction for those hosting a Children’s Program in the afternoon prior to the evenings main show.

Tricia and the Toonies – Tricia & the Toonies is a unique mixture of music, puppets, skits and laughter which has made it one of the most talked about family stage shows in the midwest. Critics young and young-at-heart acclaim this exciting, interactive and fun-filled musical adventure.

Game Shows

Casino – Are you looking to make your next party something that your friends, co-workers or even family members will never forget? Gary Tyson Entertainment brings the look and feel of Las Vegas to your party. We provide Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, Let it Ride, Caribbean Stud, Slot Machines and even the newly popular Texas Holdem… These games are all available for your pleasure and enjoyment. Gary Tyson Entertainment is your one stop shop for your perfect casino party.

Game Show Mania – Whether its a party of 20 people or 500, Game Show Mania is taking off as the newest party sensation. Accommodating 3 to 6 contestants along with audience team play, the excitement created is unbelievable. Our game shows similar to Jeopardy and Family Feud are always a favorite.

Strolling Acts, Artists & Performers

Caricature Artists – A caricature artist makes an excellent addition to your party. You entertain your guests, and your guests get to take home a keepsake that will always remind them of the great time they had at your party. Come see what we do. Over 20 more excellent Caricature Artists are available throughout the Midwest from Gary Tyson Entertainment

Palm Readers – What hand has fate dealt you? Will you enjoy fortune or fame? Discover your destiny through the mystical vision of Palm Reading. Thousands are amazed by the accuracy displayed, and in a very positive manor. Very popular at Corporate Banquet Dinners, High School Prom and Graduation Lock-in’s and Private Parties. Call Gary Tyson Entertainment Now, your psychic’s are waiting…

Stilt Walkers – An absolute hit for parades, fairs, festivals, or any strolling entertainment venue. Many stiltwalkers also perform magic, balloon animals and character play.